Corrosion Engineering Multiple Choice Questions on “Modern Theory Principles – Passivity”.
1. Which of the following is/are correct regarding passivation?
a) It is defined as the loss of reactivity at certain conditions
b) Usually results in the formation of the oxide layer
c) The corrosion rates are relatively low
d) It is defined as loss of reactivity at certain conditions usually due to the formation of the oxide layer and corrosion rates are relatively low
Answer: d
Clarification: Passivation is defined as the loss of reactivity of metals/alloys at certain conditions usually due to the formation of the oxide layer and corrosion rates are relatively low.
2. The passive state of a metal is often relatively unstable and subject to damage.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Passivation is the loss of chemical reactivity of a metal due to the formation of the oxide layer. It is relatively unstable and subject to damage. Chemical properties, wear resistance and thickness are the factors for the stability of the passive layer.
3. Which of the following is/are the metal/alloys that demonstrate active-passive transitions?
a) Iron and stainless steels
b) Nickel and its alloys
c) Iron, stainless steels, nickels, titanium, and its alloys
d) Titanium and its alloys
Answer: c
Clarification: Metals/alloys that demonstrate active-passive transitions is/are:
- Iron and stainless steels
- Nickel and its alloys
- Titanium and its alloys
- Chromium
- Aluminum and its alloys.
5. Which of the following is/are correct regarding the active region of metals?
a) Corrosion rates increase exponentially
b) Corrosion rates increase linearly
c) It follows typical Tafel behavior
d) It follows typical Tafel behavior and corrosion rates increases exponentially
Answer: d
Clarification: Active region is the first stage of active-passive transition in which the corrosion rates increase exponentially and it follows typical Tafel behavior.
6. The Trans passive region is the region in which the corrosion rate increases with an increase in potential.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Trans passive region is the last region of active-passive transitions of metal in which the corrosion rate increases with an increase in potential. It is formed due to the instability of the passive layer at that high potentials.
7. Which of the following is/are the important characteristics of active-passive transitions of a metal?
a) Passive potential (Epp)
b) Critical anodic current density (ic)
c) Passive potential (Epp) and Critical anodic current density (ic)
d) Neither passive potential nor critical anodic current density
Answer: c
Clarification: Passive potential is defined as the potential of a system at which the passivation of metal is starts whereas critical anodic current density is defined as the current density at which passivation of metals starts.
9. Which of the following metal doesn’t possess a trans passive region?
a) Iron
b) Titanium
c) Nickel
d) Aluminum
Answer: b
Clarification: Typical active-passive transitions metals possess active region, passive region, and trans passive region. Whereas titanium doesn’t possess trans passive region is due to the formation of a more protective titanium oxide film structure.
10. Which of the following metals/alloys passivates spontaneously in acid solutions containing oxidizers or dissolved oxygen?
a) Copper
b) Titanium
c) Stainless steels and titanium
d) Nickel
Answer: b
Clarification: Stainless steels and titanium passivates spontaneously in acid solutions containing oxidizers or dissolved oxygen. A decrease in passive potential and critical current density is the driving force for the spontaneous passivation.